LEADERSHIP | UNIVERSAL COMMERCIAL

Darrell Cobbins

Previously, he served for six years as Vice President at Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors, LLC, a top-tier Memphis firm, where he worked in commercial real estate brokerage and corporate real estate advisory services, serving many of Memphis’ most notable corporations and institutions. Darrell was also previously in economic development with the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce from 1999-2001, where he was Senior Resource Development Officer, and at Guardsmark, Inc, serving as Unit Manager, beginning his professional career immediately after undergraduate studies.

BACKGROUND

Mr. Cobbins possesses a strong background in commercial and corporate real estate, as well as economic development. Combined with his commitment to client service and civic leadership, Darrell makes a tremendous contribution to the company’s professional and community service to small business, corporate, non-profit, and government clients.

EDUCATION

B.A.- Sociology/Anthropology- Rhodes College

Executive M.B.A.– Fogelman College of Business & Economics, University of Memphis

PROFESSIONAL - CIVIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Selected as one of ten in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 as Commercial Real Estate Broker “Power Players” by Memphis Business Quarterly magazine

Memphis Business Journal’s ‘Top 40 Under 40’- 1998

Leadership Memphis Graduate- 1999

Leadership Development Intensive (LDI), New Memphis Institute, 2007

Lambda Alpha International (honorary society for the advancement of land economics), Member

SELECTED TRANSACTIONS

In partnership with CBRE-Memphis, and on behalf of the City of Memphis Government, led the Feasibility Assessment, Internal Occupancy Analysis, and overall due diligence in the acquisition of the Donnelly J. Hill State Office Building in Downtown Memphis, TN.Process included interview of and presentations to Memphis Mayor, City Council, CAO, and Division Directors.

Real Estate Advisory Services for 2009 new Memphis Convention Center Feasibility Study by City of Memphis Government

As a member of the development team, represented Crosstown LLC in the strategic acquisition of more than $5 million worth of real estate covering a 30-block vicinity, including residential, multi-family, and commercial properties for site assemblage for $280 Million redevelopment of 1.3 million sq ft historic building in Midtown Memphis now known as Crosstown Concourse.This approach allowed the owners to obtain significant strategic control of the surrounding area, protecting their investment of capital in the building.

Represented Durham School Services in the site identification, selection, and ground lease negotiation for its six acre Northeast Terminal site in Memphis, TN. Durham is the nation’s 2nd largest school transportation services company.

Represented (over the course of two years) the Power Center Community Development Corporation (an affiliated entity of New Direction Christian Church) in the assemblage of 42 acres for the ultimate development of its mixed-use/multi-phase Towne Center project in the Hickory Hill community of Memphis.Advised the leadership on acquisition strategies and interfacing with City of Memphis, Shelby County Government, Shelby County Trustee, City of Memphis Treasurer, and other government-related entities.Also negotiated with Sellers to achieve the most cost effective terms for its client’s acquisition of the targeted parcels.

Advised the Memphis Urban League in its evaluation of making capital investment in its existing/owned facility vs. leasing new office space for its headquarters.Identified alternative locations in the market, solicited economic proposals from property owners, conducted financial analyses, and negotiated with property owners.Based upon this real-time market-based information MUL’s CEO and Board of Directors, with insight and consultation by Universal, were able to make a fact-based comparison of costs, ultimately arriving at the most cost-efficient decision in alignment with its mission and long term goals.

70,000 square feet- represented Gestalt Community Schools in the lease of former education space located at Mendenhal Square Shopping Center for the establishment of its middle school in the Hickory Hill Community.

65,000 square feet- Represented Memphis Academy of Health Sciences in the acquisition of facilities for the relocation of its school and campus in Memphis, TN

45,000 square feet – Represented ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation in the relocation of business unit from Horn Lake, Mississippi to office space at EastPointe Business Park

36,000 square feet- Represented Self-Tucker Architects in the acquisition of historic Universal Life Insurance Building in Downtown Memphis. The property was bank-owned and the successful negotiation of this transaction ensures that this historic landmark in the African-American community will live on after redevelopment for years to come.

Represented one of the largest medical practices in the Memphis region, Mid-South Gastroenterology Group in the expansion of its East Memphis practice.Negotiated with an adjacent property owner the acquisition of office property for the expansion of the medical practice, doubling the size of its East Memphis office.From negotiation, through due-diligence/inspection, to closing, managed the entire process, allowing for staff to plan for its functional expansion and adding services to better serve its growing patient base.